We started our school. We had a different concept. We wanted our school to be a social gathering place first and a place to learn to dance second. We also wanted our students to learn to dance well and have more fun than anyone else on the dance floor. To bring their friends to dance. To make new friends at Sam’s. To make the most of their lives. Like we want to make of ours.

Oh, I lost a business partner along the way, but that didn’t change much. The “we” changed to “I” but everything else moved forward as planned. I still stumble a lot. I expect to for awhile. But I get up, brush myself off, and dance! When you believe in your idea, you have to.

Then came CUBA. We went 21/2 years ago for two weeks. We had a guide and driver, Ibrahim, who took us everywhere. That included going to places to hear live music and watch dancing. It’s everywhere in Cuba. The places we went were outside and full of people. It was magical. I knew they were dancing salsa, but they were so smooth, I couldn’t figure out how they were doing it. When some kind men asked me to dance (the men there ask EVERYONE to dance—it’s lovely—take note men!!), I told them I couldn’t because I didn’t have a clue. There were other people dancing who also had no clue but I didn’t want to be one of them (if I had that to do over again, I would want to be one of them)! (I’m talking about you, tourist wearing flip-flops!!) When we got home, I signed up for salsa classes.

NOTE: in Cuba, they dance everywhere–they don’t spend a second worrying about if the dance surface is smooth enough or if they have on the right shoes. They hear music, they dance! It’s amazing…

Next up was TAP dancing. My Mom had taken some classes in Arizona and wanted to carry on in Vancouver. I went with. What’s our first rule of dance? We gotta have the right shoes! I now have three pairs of tap shoes and still can’t tap. It was fun though and a lovely lady named Beryl taught the class of seniors–and me. We did have one man in the class, but it was only briefly. We must have terrified him. The sound of a class full of people tapping in no particular rhythm can be horrendous! Even if you can’t tap well, it’s tons of fun wearing those shoes and clomping around on a wood floor. I never get tired of it.

Upcoming Special Events

Join us for FREE music & dancing on the beautiful Jim Deva Plaza in the heart of the West End (on Davie by the Rainbow Crosswalk at Bute). Sunday, December 3, 7 – 10 pm We’ll be under a big tent with lights & heaters so no worries about the weather • Wear light-up or […]

Like Us On Facebook

Vancouver Pride Society is pleased to announce that the second annual Unicorn Ball is happening!
****************************************************************************
Online Ticket cost is $2...

Latest Community News

Join us for FREE music & dancing on the beautiful Jim Deva Plaza in the heart of the West End (on Davie by the Rainbow Crosswalk at Bute). Sunday, December 3, 7 – 10 pm We’ll be under a big tent with lights & heaters so no worries about the weather • Wear light-up or […]